‘Forwards have to defend less, Kylian Mbappe is committed’ – Alvaro Arbeloa on defensive work

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has put Kylian Mbappe’s commitment to the cause beyond question. It follows on from the admission by the French forward that he does less defending than his teammates.

The work-rate and thus compatibility of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham has been a headline debate for much of the season, with Xabi Alonso following in Carlo Ancelotti’s footsteps, in that he struggled to get a tune out of the three at the same time. Shortly after taking over, Alvaro Arbeloa declared that he did not want Vinicius and Mbappe tiring themselves out pressing, and that he had told Bellingham to run less in training.

“Kylian is incredibly committed and knows exactly what I ask of him. Both him and Vini,” he commented on Friday. “Forwards have to defend less than defenders, just as they attack more than defenders. But we need to be a fully committed team every single day. All 25 of us. Right now, we have to finish the game without holding back. And then, the talent of these players will make the difference.”

Mbappe had no issues with derby spot on bench

Mbappe was only just back from his knee injury against Atletico Madrid before the international break, and Arbeloa was asked if the Frenchman was disappointed that he was only on the bench.

“No, no. Not at all. He’s always had very direct communication with me. We’ve talked about most things. And his starting eleven… it was a common-sense decision.”

Brahim Diaz role going forward

The return to fitness of Mbappe is expected to see Brahim Diaz exit the starting XI, following

“He should keep playing. He’s come out of a tough situation, but he’s fought hard and shown what a great player he is. We have an extraordinary squad and I’m going to need everyone.”

‘We are where we wanted to be’ – Arbeloa

Los Blancos are seeking to apply pressure on Barcelona this weekend, with the chance to cut the gap at the top of the table to one point, before the Catalan side face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano. It’s a scenario that seemed unlikely a month ago, and Arbeloa said he was pleased with their progress.

“We’re where we wanted to be: fighting for La Liga and the Champions League. But for now, let’s focus on Mallorca. Because we’re playing for everything in every match; we have no margin for error. Mallorca is a very difficult match, one that’s set off alarm bells for me.”

“Because of the context, because of the opponent, because it’s tough after a break… but I’m confident in how the players have trained. I see them eager, focused on fighting for everything. Knowing it won’t be easy, but we are Real Madrid and we must show it in every match. That when spring arrives, this club always gives its best.”

The introduction of Thiago Pitarch and good results against Atletico and Manchester City has turned the atmosphere around at the Bernabeu. Arbeloa will be aware that he and his side are two good months away from a successful season in spite of earlier adversity.

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